The lazuli is one of the nesting birds Tyler Coleman, the Arizona Fish and Game Region 3 non-game specialist, will discuss Friday in the next installment of the department’s Summer Wildlife Series. (Courtesy)

7/22/2014 6:02:00 AM

KINGMAN - Whether they are nesting in your backyard and raising their young, or using your car windshield as a target following a car wash, there's no denying the passion people have for birds.

The Summer Wildlife Series presentation "Small Birds of the Desert" will be conducted from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Kingman Mohave County Library, 3269 N. Burbank St. The birds featured in this presentation are non-game species that are not hunted.

"I think you'd get many different answers from people as to why they like birds," said Zen Mocarski, information and education program manager for the Arizona Game and Fish Region 3 office in Kingman. "They have captured the imagination of people throughout history."

Seating capacity at the library is 52 and will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. When capacity is reached, the doors are locked.

Tyler Coleman, the Region 3 non-game specialist, will conduct the 45-minute presentation. He will discuss a variety of species that can be viewed around the Kingman area, some interesting facts and adaptations, and native vegetation that can turn your yard into a haven.

"There's one bird that's earned the nickname 'the impaler' because of how it kills and stores its prey," Mocarski said. "Many have developed unique adaptations for survival in the desert, such as the cactus wren, which is Arizona's state bird. This wren will nest in cholla, which provides protection from would-be predators."

The series will conclude Aug. 8 with a presentation on "Critters and their Habitat."

"Response to the series has been great," Mocarski said. "It is encouraging to see the passion people have for wildlife."

For more information, contact Mocarski at (928) 692-7700, ext. 2301, or email zmocarski@azgfd.gov.